Information about improving productivity in the peri operative pathway: Elective Service Productivity and Workforce Development Programme - literature review

Authors

National Health Board

Year of Publication

2010

Source

Wellington: Ministry of Health

Publication Type

Report

Publication Status

Completed

Abstract

A review of current and relevant literature (June 2010) has been carried out to identify key factors contributing to efficiencies in operating theatres and the delivery of surgical or elective services in general. Additionally, the review sought to identify interventions demonstrated to improve surgical productivity. The purpose of the review is to assist District Health Boards (DHBs) to prepare business case applications for the Elective Service Productivity and Workforce Development Programme. The review was carried out by the Electives Team, National Health Board. Approximately 120 articles were sourced from databases including Medline, AMED, AustHealth, Cochrane Library, British Nursing Index, and Index New Zealand. See Appendix1 for search strategy information. The literature was reviewed for its usefulness and relevance to the New Zealand health sector. Literature considered useful for DHBs planning to improve efficiencies and productivity in the peri-operative pathway has been included in this resource. The key themes addressed in the literature review include: Scheduling; Cancellations and delays; Improving turnaround time; Reducing late first starts; Reducing over and under runs of theatre lists; Managing variation and lack of predictability of case duration; Organisation of peri-operative processes; The use of clinical pathways. This resource is structured as follows: 1. Key themes have been identified from current literature relating to peri-operative efficiencies and increasing productivity in the surgical patient journey. 2. Articles considered to be relevant and useful for the New Zealand health sector have been identified and listed under the relevant theme headings. For each theme there are several articles listed that provide different perspectives and evidence. Where possible a link has been included to the abstract for each article. Additional information is included that DHB staff may find useful such as service improvement websites and research findings on procedures or specialties that do not fit into the defined categories. 3. The search strategy is included as Appendix 1.

Type of Study

Literature review

How to Access

A full text version of the document is attached to this record.